Helmet Retention System

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device and method of use for retaining protective head gear without the use of a chin strap. The inventive device and method utilizes connection means to a chest harness or other equipment worn over the torso.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.

61/481,788, filed May 3, 2011.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The inventive subject matter relates to a device and system to securelykeep a helmet on the head of the wearer without the need for a chinstrap.

2. Background Art

Helmets, including military helmets, have undergone little change as tohow they are secured to the wearer. Typically, protective head gear issecured to the wear by either its firm fitting over the head or by achin strap. Combat helmets are typically secured through a chin strapharness, fitting either under the chin or around the chin.

In the case of U.S. military helmets, the chin straps, by applying forceto the chin and neck, serves not only to secure the helmet to the wearerbut as serve to ensure that the helmet is stable and properly positionedon the head. Proper fitting and placement of helmets, like mostprotective head gear, is critical for the head gear to provide maximalprotection. And yet even with a properly fitting chin strap, fixatingthe helmet by the chin, serves to entrap the mandible, inhibiting normalmovement and translate external force loads, bilaterally, into thetemporal aspects of the head. Also this strap system creates a fulcrumpivot point around the C-1 and C-2 cervical neck complex. If the helmetis improperly seated, such as caused by improper fitting or ineffectivechin strap functioning, even significantly greater muscular strain andfatigue to the cervical column, upper back musculature and strap musclesof the neck can result. This ultimately can cause a compromise of thespinal cord.

Early military helmets were principally designed to protect: the headfrom direct injury against flying shrapnel. However, when exposed torapid air and shock wave displacement, caused by explosive blast,directional energy forces the helmet up and back, with concomitantupward force against the mandible and other head and neck structures.This uplifting can result in significant bone and tissue trauma,including head and neck injury and even dental injury.

The use of chin strap to secure helmets has been directly correlatedwith both odontogenic trauma and temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction.Additionally. a relationship exists between the use of chin straps andtraumatic auricular degradation and destruction, as well as cervicalspine, neck injury and muscle trauma. The use of chin straps has alsobeen implicated in leading to central nervous system injury, asevidenced by both low level (e.g., cognition, memory degradation,psychological/emotional alterations) and more severe traumatic braininjury.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a helmet retention device for securing orretaining a helmet, or other protective head-wear, to the head withoutthe use of a chin strap. In a preferred embodiment, the helmet retentiondevice comprises two components: a head component and a chest harnesscomponent, wherein the head component is secured to the wearer viastraps or other means for securing the helmet component to the wearervia the chest harness component. The inventive device provides a meansfor securely positioning head gear on the wearer while reducingpotential injury otherwise seen in securing head gear via a chin-strap,including to the jaw and teeth, if the wearer receives a force appliedto the head.

In one embodiment, the head component of the helmet retention device isbuilt into and is integral with the protective head gear. In analternate embodiment, the retention device is separate and can beinterchanged with other protective head gear by fastening the retentionsystem to a the head gear.

In one embodiment the retention device comprises a head component and achest harness wherein the head component comprises pre-auricular andpost-auricular straps located on both the right and left sides of thehead. The pre-and post-auricular straps join and connect to a singlestrap below the ear. In this embodiment, the single strap attaches to achest harness. In this preferred embodiment, the device comprises amechanism permitting easy and quick release of the protective head gearfrom the harness at both the dorsal and ventral locations on the bodyharness component.

In another embodiment, the device also comprises, an occipital strap,disposed in the occipital region of the helmet. The inclusion of thisstrap would therefore, operate, in conjunction with the pre- andpost-auricular straps, to secure the protective head gear.

In one embodiment, the right and left sub-auricular straps would crossat the upper chest and connect, via quick attaching and releasingmechanisms, such as snaps or pelican hook like devices, at or below theclavicular-manubrial insertion to the sternum. If an occipitally placedstrap is included. it would attach, via a quick attaching and releasingmechanism. such as a snap, to the dorsal aspect of the chest harness andwould attach near the level of the scapula. The strap insertionmechanism into the chest harness permits free lateral and rotationalmotion of the head with little or no impedance or restriction of headmotion. Similarly, the occipitally placed strap would not impedeanterior and posterior tilt of the head or rotational movement of thehead.

In another embodiment the attachment of the straps from the helmettemporo-bilaterally would attach through a clip system in the top centerof the harness mechanism over the manubrium with the strap attachmentclips adjacent to one another but not crossed over. This mimics the bodymechanics of muscles supporting the head naturally. It is contemplatedthat the device, be incorporated as multiple embodiments particular tocircumstances encountered, including weather and duties. For example,the chest harness can be an independent piece of equipment or clothing.Alternatively the chest harness can be integral to the clothing, such asa t-shirt.

In an embodiment. the chest harness can contain physiological sensors tomonitor biometric information or environmental circumstancesencountered, as well as offer secure geo-location technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Diagram illustrating relationship of head gear assembly and itsattachment to a chest harness. As illustrated, protective head gear isattached to the wearer by straps. located on either side of the head, toa chest harness.

FIG. 2. Diagram illustrating a head-piece assembly that is detachable,re-attachable and interchangeable with different protective head gearalternative styles. The diagram also illustrates an alternativeattachment means of the protective head gear to the chest harness.

FIG. 3. Diagram illustrating an embodiment wherein the straps areconfigured to have a crossed alignment. In this configuration, strapsattached to protective head gear on one side are attached to the chestharness on the opposite side of the body. The illustration alsoillustrates the placement of quick release/attachment assemblies. Theseassemblies comprise a means to enable the quick release of the strapsfrom the chest harness.

FIG. 4. Diagram illustrating alternative chest harness arrangement.

FIG. 5. Diagram illustrating an example of occipital cushion, showing,among other features, examples of adjustment strap placement andoperation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Retention of protective head gear, including military helmets, istypically achieved by a chin strap fastened to the head gear andprotruding under the chin. Securing protective head gear, especiallymilitary or similar helmets, which are often relatively heavy, can leadto muscular strain and fatigue through inordinate weight to the head. Incurrent systems, emphasis is placed on the chin, through the chin strap,to maintain proper balance and placement of the helmet on the wearer.Injury can often result, directly or indirectly, through the use of chinstraps. following the application of forces to the head gear.

Removal of forces applied through the chin strap has the potential tomitigate specific components of cervical spine force overloads andcerebral traumatic events, including concussion and coup-contra- coupforces. Therefore, use of alternate systems to secure protective headgear and provide proper head positioning would allow for the centralbalancing pivot point (fulcrum) of the head gear, during blast eventsand other similar force disruptions, to be directed to other, lessphysically vulnerable as well as heavier anchored anatomical structures.If the force is directed lower down the body to a point away from thecervical vertebrae C1 (i.e., atlas) or below the cervical vertebrae C2through C7, into the area of the thoracic spinal column and upper chest,any potential injurious forces are then positioned within a location ofthe body that has greater capacity for its distribution and absorptionby lowering the anchorage/fulcrum point while using more muscular andheavily weighted anchorages.

As an example, in military settings, force dynamics would be affectedand potentially reduced resulting in fewer spinal cord injuries.Injuries can result from blast forces resulting in force vectorsdirectly impacting the helmet with energy being ultimately transferredto associated anatomical structures. Injuries can also result, over alonger period of wear, from: long term cervical neck muscle fatigue,affecting loss of support and, therefore, subsequent cervical neckstrain and/or head and neck trauma; and bio-mechanical breakdown causedby repetitive forces while riding in various military watercraft,vehicle transport in rough terrain, amphibious transport.

The invention relates to a device for securing or retaining a helmet, orother protective head-wear, to the head without the use of a chin strap.As illustrated in FIG. 1. in a preferred embodiment, protective headgear (1) is secured to the head attached via straps to a chest pieceinstead of straps under the chin of the wearer.

The basic device is illustrated in FIG. 1. The device in FIG. 1significantly reduces trauma associated with the use of chin straps. Ina preferred embodiment, the device comprises a device to secureprotective head gear (1) to a wearer, comprising, on each side of thehead, pre- and post-auricular straps (3) and (5), respectively, whichconnects, via helmet straps (2), left side and (4), right side, to achest harness (7). In this preferred embodiment, the pre- andpost-auricular straps (3) and (5) connect below the ear, approximately1-3 cm below bottom of the ear. The occipital region of the protectivehead gear can also include greater padding in an occipital cushion (8),preferably with soft, form fitting padding material, in the occipitalregion in order to provide form-fitting of the head gear to the wearer.

As an example of the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, thetwo helmet straps, (2) and (4), connect to the pre- and post auricularstraps (3) and (5), which are attached to the protective head gear, andalso connect to the chest harness (7). The helmet straps (2) and (4) areeach located on either side of the head to provide a symmetricalconnection. In the preferred embodiment, the strap arrangement, throughstrap length adjustment or strap material flexibility, and insertionmechanism into the chest harness (7) permits free lateral and rotationalmotion of the head with little or no impedance or restriction of headmotion.

In an alternative embodiment, a third, occipital strap (6), can also beincluded, which connects the protective head gear (1), via an occipitalcushion (8), to the chest harness (7). The third strap can be includedto provide additional support, if needed. In this embodiment, theoccipital strap (6) can fixed or be able to be detached or re-attached,as needed. Therefore, in this alternative embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 1, three straps connect the protective head gear to the chestharness (7). Two straps (3) and (5), which connect to straps (2) and (4)on either side of the head and a third (6). As in the preferredembodiment, strap placement and connection to the chest harness (7), byadjustment of the strap length and/or flexibility of the strap permitsfree head movement, both lateral and rotational, with little or noimpedance or restriction of head motion.

In another, alternate embodiment, the pre- and post- auricular straps(3) and (5) can be separately attached, to the chest harness (7). Thestrap (6) then, also directly connects to the chest harness (7). Inanother embodiment the attachment of the straps from the helmettemporo-bilaterally would attach through a clip system in the top centerof the harness mechanism over the manubrium with the strap attachmentclips adjacent to one another but not crossed over. This mimics the bodymechanics of muscles supporting the head naturally.

Another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, comprises pre- andpost-auricular straps (3) and (5) connect the headgear to a single,horizontally placed, connecting strap (9), running from ear to eararound the back of the head below the ear. The device can also becomprised of a third strap (13), placed in the occipital region, thatconnects to the horizontally placed strap (9). The connecting strap (9)is then connected, via securing straps (16) and (17), positioned on eachside of the head to the chest harness (7). The securing straps (16) and(17) are analogous to the helmet straps (2) and (4) (see FIG. 1). In analternate embodiment, the connecting strap (9) can also be furtherconnected to the chest harness (7) by a neck strap (11) at the back ofthe neck.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in another embodiment, the straps (3), (5) and(13) connect to a head-piece (15), separate from but attachable anddetachable to protective head gear (1) (FIG. 1). Connection of thehead-piece (15) to the protective head gear (1) can be via a number ofmeans including snap fasters or other fastening means.

In another embodiment and as illustrated in FIG. 3, the helmet straps(2) and (4) or securing straps (16) and (17) can cross at the chestultimately attaching to the chest harness (7).

In a preferred embodiment, the helmet or securing straps are connectedto the chest harness (7) via quick releasing mechanisms. A number ofmeans for quickly releasing the straps are contemplated. An embodimentincludes a mechanism similar to a small pelican hook-like mechanism orother means whereby release of the connection can be affected quicklywith minimal action by the wearer. The location for quick release can belocated in a number of positions. FIG. 3, illustrates the quick release(19) on the chest harness (7). However, it is also contemplated that therelease can be located instead, or in addition to the chest harness (7),on a number of other positions. As an example, these alternate positionsinclude near the head gear area such as the connection between the pre-and post-auricular straps (3) and (5) and the helmet straps (2) and (4),and the occipital strap (6), if used (FIG. 1). In this example, thequick release mechanisms can be positions so as to directly release thestraps from the head regions.

In these embodiments, regardless of positioning of the quick release,the means for quick releasing would not impede anterior and posteriortilt of the head or rotational movement of the head.

In a further embodiment, the straps connecting the protective head gearto the chest harness contains means for disconnecting, automatically. Toillustrate this embodiment, the helmet straps (2) and (4) and theoccipital strap (6) would each be composed of two separate componentsjoined by a means for detecting a force or exertion applied to thestraps that is beyond a preset threshold. When a force is applied onthese straps, beyond the preset threshold the means causes the separatecomponents of the straps to disconnect with concomitant disconnection ofthe protective head gear and the chest harness. In another embodiment,the automatic release means is positioned on the attachment point of thestraps on the chest harness (7), as in the position for the quickrelease attachment point (19) illustrated in FIG. 3.

An automatic release feature would be advantageous in environments wheremoving, heavy objects are frequently encountered. Automatic release ofprotective head gear would also be advantageous in scenarios where thereis not enough time for the wearer to manually disconnect the head gearfrom the chest harness (7).

In one embodiment, the chest harness (7) is an independent piece ofequipment or clothing. In this embodiment, the harness (7) is placedunder or over other standard wear. In an alternative embodiment, thechest harness (7) is integral to a garment or clothing, such as at-shirt. In one alternative to this embodiment, the chest harness (7),is integral to the clothing and has direct contact with the skin of thewearer permitting the inclusion of physiological sensors to be operablyassociated with the wearer in order to monitor biometric information. Inthis embodiment, the chest harness can contain one or more sensorscapable of monitor a number of parameters, including ambient airtemperature, and normal physiological parameters, such as heart rate,respiration rate, blood pressure, hydration rate or body temperature.Additionally, sensors, associated with the quick release attachments(19), may also be added to measure tension or force applied between thehelmet and chest harness. This parameter would be valuable indetermining the extent of injury following an impact to the head andchest.

In a further embodiment, the chest harness (7) can be attached orremoved from clothing or garments. Removal of the chest harness (7)enables easier cleaning of the clothing or attachment of the chestharness (7) to other garments, based on changing weather conditions orto change out of damaged or torn clothing. A means for attaching ordetaching the chest harness (7) can be via any means, such as hook andloop fastener, such as Velcro strips, or zippers.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment for the chest harness. InFIG. 4, the chest harness is much reduced in area permitting greaterfreedom of motion. Furthermore, since this alternative comprises reducedarea, it is more amenable for use in hot climates.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a configuration of the occipitalcushion (8). In this example, the cushion can be adjusted along the neckand head by adjusting the fasteners (20). The occipital cushion can alsobe adjusted and tightened on the neck and head by the strap fastener(21) as illustrated. In FIG. 5, the strap fastener is secured by hookand loop fastener or buckle.

An embodiment of the invention is a method of reducing work orbattlefield related odontogenic injury and temporo-mandibular jointdysfunction following head and neck trauma or impact to the cervicalneck and head region. The method comprises,use of the device asillustrated in above and in FIGS. 1 through 5 in order to secureprotective head gear, without dependence of chin straps. The method cancomprise use of manual or automatic means for quickly releasing andseparating the chest harness, as discussed and illustrated above.

1. A protective head gear retention device comprising a means forsecuring the protective head gear to a chest harness, wherein said meanscomprises two opposed ends wherein one end is connected to theprotective head gear and the opposite end of the means is connected to achest harness.
 2. The protective head gear retention device of claim 1,wherein the means for securing the protective head gear comprisesbilaterally disposed pre- and a post-auricular straps, on either side ofthe head, wherein, the pre-auricular strap is disposed forward of theear and the post-auricular strap is disposed behind the ear, and whereinthe pre- and post-auricular straps are connected at one of its two endsto said protective head gear and the opposite ends of the pre- and postauricular straps join by a means for connecting straps to form a singlestrap and wherein said single strap is connected to a chest harness, bya securing means.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the device alsocomprises an occipital strap that connects to said protective head gearnear the occipital region of the head, and wherein said occipital strapis connected at one of its two ends to said protective head gear andopposite end protrudes down the back of the neck and connects to saidchest harness by a means for connecting straps.
 4. The device of claim1, wherein said connection to said chest harness is located at a pointthat is at or below the clavicular-manubrial insertion to the sternum.5. The device of claim 1, wherein said means for connecting straps tothe chest harness or helmet comprises a means for quick release forseparating the head gear from the chest harness.
 6. The device of claim1, wherein said chest harness is incorporated in an inner or outergarment and is integral to that garment.
 7. The device of claim 1,wherein the chest harness comprises biometric sensors.
 8. The device ofclaim 2, wherein said pre- and post-auricular straps, on either side ofthe head, are connected together below the ear by a means for fasteningthe straps and, wherein said pre- and post-auricular straps areconnected by said means for fastening straps to a helmet strap that isoperatively connected said chest harness.
 9. The device of claim 2,wherein said pre- and post-auricular straps are connected to ahorizontally disposed strap that extends from ear to ear and around theback of the head that is connected by straps to said chest harness. 10.The device of claim 5, wherein said quick release is a quick releasebuckle that releases upon pressing a button or lever.
 11. The device ofclaim 5, wherein said quick release mechanism operates automatically bya means for determining a preset exertion or force threshold and a meansfor releasing the connection of the protective head gear and a chestharness in response to exceeding the said preset threshold.
 12. Thedevice of claim 6, wherein said chest harness can be detached from saidgarment by means for detaching and attaching.
 13. The device of claim 7,wherein said chest harness contains one or more sensors capable ofmeasuring parameters selected from the group consisting of: bodytemperature of wearer, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, ambient airtemperature, hydration/dehydration, global positioning and tensionexerted between helmet and chest harness.
 14. The device of claim 10,wherein said protective head gear and chest harness connection is thestrap connection to said chest harness.
 15. The device of claim 10,wherein said protective head gear and chest harness connection is theconnection between the pre- and post-auricular straps and said strapconnected to said chest harness.
 16. The device of claim 10, wherein theprotective head gear and chest harness connection is the connectionbetween a securing strap and a horizontally disposed strap.
 17. Thedevice of claim 15, wherein said protective head gear and chest harnessconnection also comprises the connection of the occipital strap to saidprotective head gear.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein saidconnection also comprises the connection of the neck strap and saidhorizontally disposed strap.
 19. A method of protecting individuals fromhead injury comprising securing a protective head gear to a wearer usingthe device of claim 1, wherein the protective head gear is connected toa chest harness or garment worn on the wearer's torso.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein said protective head gear can be quickly separatedfrom said chest harness or garment.